Page 36 - Delaware Medical Journal - January/February 2019
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MSD Prepares for Delaware’s 150th General Assembly
Kim Gomes
As we look toward the upcoming session, it is important to note that there will be 15 new legislators — 12 in the House and three in the Senate. In addition, we have a new Attorney General,
a new Treasurer, and a new Auditor. The Medical Society of Delaware’s greatest task will be to get to know the new lawmakers and educate them on our issues. To that end, MSD has already engaged with several of the new members, hosting a successful Candidates Night before November’s election where physicians were able to pose questions and air concerns with the candidates to begin important conversations on issues that affect the practice of medicine in Delaware.
MSD also recently participated in a “new legislator reception” where we were able to meet the new House and Senate members. These receptions are excellent opportunities to get a sense of personalities, which helps formulate strategies to move our agenda forward. We will continue to engage in these activities to make sure MSD and the issues facing our members stay front and center in the legislators’ minds.
Looking ahead, there are a few issues that MSD will need to follow
2018. The Medicaid Buy-in study group came as a result of Senate
Concurrent Resolution 70 and attempts to deal with the current health care landscape as it relates to Medicaid. The Primary Care Collaborative came as a result of Senate Bill 227, which sought to increase the reimbursement to primary care physicians in the state of Delaware. Both SCR 70 and SB 227 required study groups as a result
At this point, the study groups have met and formulated recommendations on both topics. The recommendations will go to Gov. John Carney and will most likely lead to legislation. There has been ample opportunity for public participation in both study groups and the meetings were hosted by MSD. Several MSD members faithfully attended all the scheduled meetings and have been able to participate and have a strong voice. While the study groups wrapped up by the end of 2018, there is still a lot of work MSD members continue to stay informed and involved.
We fully expect both recreational marijuana and physician-assisted suicide to return in the 2019 session. The MSD Government Affairs Committee will continue to talk to members to make
conversations with legislative sponsors will begin in January, and it will be important to be aware and involved in the process.
As always, MSD will have government relations experts in Legislative Hall on all session days, and they will be continually touching base with legislators on behalf of our membership.
■ KIM GOMES is Vice President of the Byrd Group, a Delaware-based government relations firm. She is a lobbyist for the Medical Society of Delaware and spends countless hours advocating for its members.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings answers questions at the 2018 MSD Candidates Night.
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Del Med J | January/February 2019 | Vol. 91 | No. 1
